4-hydroxybenzaldehyde from Gastrodia elata B1. is active in the antioxidation and GABAergic neuromodulation of the rat brain

Ether fraction of G, elata methanol extract significantly inhibited the rec overy time and severity induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) treatment. Pret reatment of ether fraction of G. elata methanol extract successfully preven ted diminution of brain GABA level in subconvulsive dose of PTZ-treated rat s. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, an analogue of p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, showed an inhibitory effect on the GABA transaminase, and its inhibitory activity wa s higher than that of valproic acid, a known anticonvulsant. In the brain o f PTZ-treated rats, brain lipid peroxidation was significantly increased, w hile it recovered to the control level after treatment with 4-hydroxybenzal dehyde. It may be concluded that anti oxidation and positive modulation of GABAergic neuromodulation of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde partially contribute to an antiepileptic and anticonvulsive activity of G. elata B1. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.